Where are the labor markets?: Examining the association between structural racism in labor markets and infant birth weight

Racist policies and practices that restrict Black, as compared to white workers, from employment may drive racial inequities in birth outcomes among workers. This study examined the association between structural racism in labor markets, measured at a commuting zone where workers live and commute to work, and lowbirthweight birth. We found the deleterious effect of structural racism in labor markets among US-born Southern Black pregnant people of working age, but not among African- or Caribbean-born counterparts in any US region. Our analysis highlights the intersections of structural racism, culture, migration, and history of racial oppression that vary across regions and birth outcomes of Black workers.

Automated summary

Racist policies and practices negatively affect employment opportunities for Black workers compared to white workers, potentially leading to racial inequities in birth outcomes. This study found that structural racism in labor markets has a detrimental effect on low birthweight birth among US-born Southern Black pregnant individuals of working age, but not among their African- or Caribbean-born counterparts in any region of the United States. The analysis highlights the intersections of structural racism, culture, migration, and the history of racial oppression, which vary across regions and birth outcomes for Black workers.